News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Rescue work continues after China quake

Rescue work is continuing in western China following yesterday's earthquake which killed over 90 people and injured around 1,000. The tremor - which happened in the province of Gansu - has forced the evacuation of over 30,000 people who are living in temporary shelters. Make-shift hospitals are being set up to help the injured. The Chinese Red Cross says it's sending tents, household items and clothing to the affected area.

6 killed in Egypt unrest

6 people are now reported to have been killed during further unrest in Egypt. According to state-run media, the violence happened during clashes between supporters and opponents of the deposed president Mohamed Mursi. Meanwhile, Mursi's family has accused the army of abducting him. The politician has been held at an undisclosed location without charge since he was removed from power on the 3rd of July.

Pope Francis starts Brazil trip

Pope Francis has arrived in Brazil on his first foreign trip as pontiff. He was welcomed by President Dilma Rousseff before proceeding by motorcade to Rio de Janeiro's city centre. The Pope will be attending the World Youth Day festival. Rousseff said she shared a common goal with the Pontif: “we have before us a religious leader sensitive to the aspirations of young people – of our people, of social justice, opportunities for all and a citizen’s dignity. We struggle against a common enemy: inequality in all its forms.”

US welcomes EU decision on Hezbollah

The Obama administration has supported the EU's decision to designate the military wing of Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation. The move makes it illegal for Hezbollah sympathisers in Europe to send the group money. US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki: “this sends a strong message to Hezbollah that it cannot operate with impunity and that there are consequences for its actions. This designation will have a significant impact on Hezbollah’s ability to operate freely in Europe.” Countries that support the move argue that there's evidence that the group was responsible for a bomb attack in Bulgaria last year in which 6 people died, mostly Israeli tourists. Hezbollah has reacted angrily to the EU’s move to list its military wing as a terrorist organisation, saying it was unjustified and not based on any proof.

Royal baby arrives

In the UK, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have announced the birth of their first child, the third in line to the throne. His name has yet to be announced. Prince William and his wife Kate are expected to leave the London hospital where the baby was born later today.

The weather

Hot and sunny. But parts of the west and upper Carinthia showers and thunderstorms could develop in places later in the day. Highs are ranging between 26 and 34 or 35 degrees.

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